13-Sack Pass Rusher Receives Franchise Tag (Report)

Ravens Use Franchise Tag On Justin Madubuike

Justin Madubuike had one heck of a contract year. The former third-round pick broke out in a big way, setting career highs in sacks (13), tackles (56), tackles-for-loss (12), and quarterback hits (33) during the final season of his rookie deal. Madubuike helped guide the team all the way to the AFC Championship Game before falling short to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Justin Madubuike originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens, the Texas A&M product spent his rookie season in a depth role. Appearing in 10 games while making three starts, Madubuike finished his inaugural campaign with one sack, 19 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits. Baltimore finished the season with an 11-5 record, making it to the AFC Divisional Round before falling to the Buffalo Bills.

The defensive tackle earned a larger role in Year 2 and eventually became a key starter on the defensive line. Appearing in 15 games while making 11 starts, Madubuike finished the year with two sacks, 36 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and five quarterback hits. Unfortunately, thanks to a wave of injuries, the team finished with an 8-9 record and did not qualify for the postseason.

Justin Madubuike improved for the third straight season in 2022. The third-year pro appeared in 17 games while making 16 starts, recording 5.5 sacks, 42 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, and nine quarterback hits in the process. Baltimore finally returned to the playoffs that season but went one-and-done with Lamar Jackson missing the game with an injury.

Since signing his rookie contract, Justin Madubuike has appeared in 59 games while making 47 starts. While on the field, the defensive tackle has recorded 21.5 sacks, 153 tackles, 29 tackles-for-loss, and 49 quarterback hits.